Lancia have already given the "Fulvietta" concept car, to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the go-ahead, for a late 2004/early 2005 introduction.
Designed jointly by Centro Style and Italdesign, the two seat Coupe, which is a modern interpretation of the classic 1970's Fulvia, will be assembled by Italdesign in numbers limited to around 2,000 per year. The "Grandturismo"-style front end which has been seen on artist's impressions is believed to have been ditched, while the whole car will be based on the floorpan of the next generation, GM-platformed, Punto, due out in 2005.
Playing a major role in the profile raising of the Lancia brand, the concept which has become known as the "Fulvietta", will have heavyweight powerplants and sportscar performance. Topping the range will be a GM-developed 2.0-litre turbo engine, while the small and light 2+2 will also come with the option of Fiat's direct injection 2.4JTD diesel engine. Cost is expected to be around a competitive €30,000.